Current Information on Feline and Canine Cancers and Relationship or Lack of Relationship to Human Cancer2

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Abstract
Our data do not support a causative relationship between cancers of humans, cats, or dogs. Epidemiologic and limited immunologic studies to date fail to support spread of the feline C-type tumor viruses to dog or man. Whether these viruses spread even from cat to cat under natural conditions is not established. The domestic cat has a high natural prevalence of lymphoma and of detectable C-type virus expression in the form of antigen and C-type particles that is seldom observed in other species, except certain inbred strains. Numerous C-type particles in salivary glands from cats with lymphoma indicate a potential source of viral spread. It appears that, under natural conditions, feline C-type viruses are inherited as indigenous latent genes which may activate in the fetus or later in life. The susceptibility of certain human cells to in vitro infection with these viruses does not imply infection in vivo. This possibility cannot be denied until immunologic studies are done with serologic reagents of greater sensitivity and specificity, and investigators working with these feline agents must be cautious. Rescue of a hypothetical human C-type sarcoma genome should be further investigated. The domestic cat may prove useful for study of the effect of chemicals, including those in the environment. The newly found RNA-dependent DNA Polymerase may aid investigations in vitro of products of the feline C-type viral genome activation and its governing molecular mechanisms. The dog, like man, strongly represses the C-type genome (if present). If a latent canine C-type virus genome could be activated, a comparable latent genome should exist in man. Domestic cats and dogs may prove useful for tests on basic biologic processes possibly relevant to cancer in man.

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